The evergreen Bennett, 58, has been with the Broncos since 1988

Anderson has already announced he will be leaving Knowsley Road when the season finishes, prompting speculation that Bennett could be set to take over.

But Saints chief executive Tony Colquitt said they had only just started their search for a successor.

Colquitt added: "As for Wayne Bennett, we haven't had any discussions with him and we have no plans to contact him."

Bennett's name has been linked with the Super League giants following his decision to end what will be a 21-year association with Brisbane at the end of 2008.

The former Australia coach, who has been earmarked for a role with New Zealand ahead of this year's World Cup, has dropped a heavy hint that he may move abroad for his next assignment.

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"My intention is to continue to coach, either in the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere," said the 58-year-old.

Anderson, meanwhile, flatly dismissed any prospect of a "swap" by insisting he intends to work in New South Wales on his return to Australia at the end of the year.

Bennett masterminded six championship successes in his two decades in charge of the Broncos.

He also coached the Queensland Origin side to several series wins and was in charge of Australia for 16 Tests between 1998 and 2005.

Following the recent resignation of Gary Kemble, he is being tipped for a more active role with the Kiwis.